A preventive, psychoeducational approach to increase perceived social support

Am J Community Psychol. 1995 Feb;23(1):117-35. doi: 10.1007/BF02506925.

Abstract

Investigated the effects of a 13-week preventive, psychoeducational intervention program to improve perceived social support. Fifty-one, low-perceived support, community residents were randomly assigned to an intervention or wait-list control condition. Intervention subjects received training in social skills and cognitive reframing regarding the self and social relations. The intervention led to increased perceived social support from family, but not from friends. As hypothesized by social cognition models, increases in perceived support appeared to be mediated by changes in self-esteem and frequency of self-reinforcement. Further, such changes in cognition about the self were larger than the changes observed for perceived support, suggesting that it may be easier to change cognition about the self than perceptions of support.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Michigan
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Self Concept*
  • Single Person / psychology*
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Social Support*